Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
A vibrant and refreshing Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing, combining tender pasta, crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and tangy herb-packed dressing. Perfect for picnics, quick lunches, or a versatile side dish that’s easy to prepare and make ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking method required beyond boiling pasta
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free and vegan with substitutions
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- Cooked rotini or penne pasta – about 3 cups
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup ready-made Italian dressing
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Prepare the vegetables: Halve the grape tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley for a fresh, crisp texture.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, Kalamata olives, and shredded mozzarella cheese to make a colorful, flavorful mix.
- Add the dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the tangy, herby flavor.
- Season and chill: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain a firm texture and prevent mushiness.
- Rinse cooked pasta with cold water to stop cooking and help the dressing stick.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor infusion.
- Add Italian dressing just before serving or chilling to keep the salad fresh.
- For extra crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds like pine nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Pasta salad, Italian dressing, rotini, penne, picnic salad, easy pasta salad, make ahead salad, summer salad, vegetarian salad
Find it online: https://eazyum.com/pasta-salad-with-italian-dressing/